Colorado Rockies / MLB

Rockies waste strong outing by Jimenez, lose 3-1 to Brewers

The Rockies' Dexter Fowler, right, slides safely into third base for a triple as Brewers third baseman Casey McGehee takes the throw during the third inning Sunday in Milwaukee. (Morry Gash, The Associated Press)

MILWAUKEE — Historically, there are two sets of Rockies.

There are the puffed-out-chest, walking-with-swagger bullies at Coors Field. And there are the road Rockies, who display timidity that inspires fans to close eyes and bang tables in frustration.

After 45 games, the Rockies are walking a tightrope between lofty expectations and stinging disappointment. This was a team built to make history, but this wasn't what the Rockies had in mind.

For the first time, Colorado allowed fewer than three hits and lost. Ubaldo Jimenez was the victim of a third-inning misstep and an increasingly limp offense, falling 3-1 on Sunday to the Milwaukee Brewers.

"We have so much talent on this team. It's impossible to think we won't be in the playoffs or be a good team. We are going to get better," outfielder Carlos Gonzalez said after a sweep left the Rockies 2-9 in their last 11 road games. "We will be in the race until the end. It's impossible for me to think anything else."

The current evidence suggests the team is more mediocre than magical. Because parity rules in major-league baseball this season, the Rockies have not been punished for their four-week free fall (12-20). They remain a good homestand away from first place. But even those wearing purple-tinted glasses can't escape the underlying concerns.

The Rockies aren't hitting, owning a .240 average. And their fundamental miscues — five errors and multiple failed sacrifice bunt attempts in this series — just days after a team meeting suggest a lack of focus.

"We are young. You see these things like this happen from time to time," veteran Jason Giambi said. "We will figure it out."

It was impossible not to notice Jimenez's progress, a sliver of optimism for a team that has dropped eight games in the standings since May 1. He threw a complete game, working eight innings for the first time this season. Not only did he command his fastball, he grew stronger as the game advanced. He oozed attitude.

"Pure stuff," Milwaukee's Ryan Braun said. "He's still as good as anybody in baseball."

As with so many games of late, the outcome was decided by one swing. Jimenez courted trouble in the third, walking Carlos Gomez and hitting Rickie Weeks. That brought Braun, the Brewers' best player, to the plate. On a 2-2 count with runners on second and third, the slugger lined a fastball to center field. Dexter Fowler's diving attempt failed. He then missed cutoff man Troy Tulo-witzki with his throw, allowing Braun to trot home.

"It's tough. I have been in a work in progress, but I gave us a chance today," said Jimenez, still seeking his first win since Sept. 17, a stretch spanning 11 starts. "I took a major step forward."

The Rockies provided no resistance for the Brewers' Randy Wolf (seven innings, four hits). Colorado's best opportunity was spoiled when Chris Iannetta walked, leaving Jimenez to bat with bases loaded in the fourth. Jimenez grounded into a double play.

That the Rockies were left to count on their pitcher to be their best hitter sums up their 1-4 trip.

"We have to swing the bats better," Fowler said. "One run is not going to cut it any day."

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